Result: Sporting Khalsa 0 Highgate 2

Carlo Franco – a looping centre that needed a smart save by the Highgate keeper was the closest the home side came to scoring

Two lapses in defensive concentration gave a vibrant and dangerous Highgate side the openings to decisively win a clash of the Midland Football League’s heavyweights.

Lei Brown and Nick Seabourne struck in the first half, scoring when Khalsa had amble opportunity to clear their defensive lines on both occasions but were punished for not doing so.

In truth, Highgate were good value for their win. Khalsa, although they kept plugging away, rarely seriously tested Highgate keeper Bradley Catlow, a second-half save from Tony Clarke and a looping centre by Carlo Franco proving the exception.

Meanwhile Highgate had good opportunities to increase their lead but a combination of last-gasp defending – in particular by Alex Perry early in the second half – and wasteful finishing meant the scoreline stayed at 2-0.